Aging into later life can bring many concerns, one of the biggest concerns with aging is falling. The CDC estimates that 1 in 3 seniors will fall at least once a year. One of the biggest predictors of having a fall is already having a previous fall. This can be worrisome not only for the person involved, but also the families. To prevent something as serious as a fall from happening the first time, it is important to review 5 steps that have been proven to help prevent falls.

One of the first steps in preventing a fall is reviewing medications, certain medications have been linked to increasing falls in seniors. Such medications include: sedatives and tranquilizers, antipsychotics, nighttime drugs, over-the-counter medication, medications that cause drowsiness. If these medications are taken, it is important to review them with a doctor to assess the amount of risk of falling involved.

Checking blood pressure while sitting and standing is the second important step in fall prevention. A substantial drop in blood pressure when a person stands up or changes position is known as postural. Drops in blood pressure is common for older adults, especially for those who are taking medicine to lower blood pressure. Blood pressure treatment has in fact been linked to some of the most serious falls in older adults.

The third step in preventing a fall involves a balance evaluation. If you or someone who know has noticed difficulty with walking or standing should seek an evaluation by a doctor. These evaluations are covered by Medicare and can be very useful in preventing a fall from occuring. Strength and balance exercises may be recommended to insure this. Along with these exercises, taking a daily walk can be very helpful in improving balance.

A home safety assessment may be one of the most important parts to preventing a fall. A set up of a home and placement of furniture and other household items can easily set a person up for a bad fall. Having a home healthcare agency to have an Occupational Therapist come and evaluate the home for possible falls is an easy way to prevent something serious from happening.

The final step in fall prevent consists of getting enough Vitamin D. Taking 1,000 IU per day will help insure that a person is getting the recommended amount of Vitamin D. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to fragile bones and may cause a fall.

Skin is the body’s largest organ and skin cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. During UV Safety Month we want to remind Coloradans on some sun damage facts and tips. Please share this with you network, regardless of the state they live in. Skin cancer can happen anywhere!

Keeping our bodies filled with energy and balance are two important keys to a healthy lifestyle. Acupuncture is a healthy and natural way to cure physical or mental ailments. This practice first began more 2,500 years ago in China and since has been used to diagnose, treat, and improve general health. The main effectiveness of acupuncture comes from modifying the flow of energy in the body.

When acupuncture is performed, the patients can either lay face up or face down (depending on which points need to be used). Then a single use disposable needle is inserted. When the needle is inserted it can cause a sting or tingling sensation at first, then the needle remains there for five to thirty minutes. While the needle remains in place the patient may feel a dull ache, but the treatment is relatively painless. By placing the needles into certain points it brings the energy flow back into proper balance.

The best part of acupuncture is that it is all natural! There are little to none side effects, it can be combined with other treatments, it can control various types of pain, and helps patients stay off medication. Acute problems can be cured from eight to twelve sessions, while chronic may take one to two sessions a month for several months.

There are many misconceptions about natural remedies, but medications, surgeries, or other treatments haven’t worked for you, then give acupuncture a chance. It has been known to not only cure illnesses, but to also prevent future medical problems from arising. Using acupuncture can be the start of a new way to healthier and natural lifestyle.

Blog written by Kiara Tucker, University of Northern Colorado Student and past Covell Care Intern.

Preventative care is extremely important throughout your lifetime, but especially as you age. The aging process takes a toll on your body and makes everyday tasks become increasingly difficult. With a proactive approach you can lessen this impact by the use of physical therapy. Physical therapy will reduce the risk for injury by increasing your flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. With increased abilities, you can regain your independence and maintain a higher quality of life. Another added benefit from physical therapy is you can stay away from more medication and reduce your pain naturally. The most common argument to physical therapy is the cost, but when you look at all of the costs for avoiding physical therapy, you can see that it is one of the more cost-effective options. If you wait until your pain is too bad, you will most likely not be able to fix it without undergoing surgery. The cost of surgery and all the medication that comes with it is typically far more than you would spend on physical therapy. By waiting until surgery is necessary, your quality of life diminishes daily. Even after surgery, there can be a long recovery period. This is all in hopes that the surgery will be successful. The best option is to start physical therapy sooner rather than later when you feel your physical abilities are being limited.

Give Covell Care a call today to ask more about physical therapy and the benefits. (970) 204-4331

A big thank you to guest blogger, Kiara Tucker Covell Intern with University of Northern Colorado.

It’s one of the hardest conversations to have with your senior parent but also a very important one: When should you stop driving? Most people try to avoid this conversation because they feel that it is best when their doctor or caregiver tells them it’s that time. Unfortunately, doctors and caregivers might not tell your senior when that time is, so it is on you to look for the warning signs to keep them safe. If you are lucky enough to ride along with them, it will be easier to tell when that time is. Some signs include driving too fast or too slow, improper lane changes, and confusing the brake and the gas pedal. They can also become very distracted while driving and maybe hit some curbs. If you are not able to drive with them, you can also look over the car to inspect for any scrapes or damage. But even if you cannot be near your senior, there are some other signs that will tell you it might be time to have the conversation. If your senior parent has arthritis, dementia, or any vision and hearing difficulties, they might not be suitable to drive. Another sign is they have hindered reactions to unforeseen situations. Although this might be a hard conversation, it’s a very important one because it will help keep them safe and others on the road. “Over the past year, 14 million Americans aged 18 to 64 were estimated to be involved in accidents caused by drivers aged 65 and over” (Gold, 2015). With this many people impacted, it is important to look over your loved ones and have that conversation when it’s time.

If you start noticing some of these signs, it is time to have that conversation and also time for an evaluation. At Covell Care, a certified driving rehabilitation specialist can conduct and evaluation that gives recommendations on driving retirement, retractions, and/ or compensatory strategies. We also provide occupational therapy services that can help your loved one with this transition. (970) 204-4331

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Covell Care & Rehabilitation looks at outpatient therapy in a new way. We see clients where they are: in our clinic, their home or a community setting. Each day we strive to integrate clients back into their community, keep them safe and think outside the box with our treatments.

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